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NANBF Men's Physique Guidelines

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Overview

  • Mens Physique category consists of two parts: Groups Comparisons and Individual presentation.

  • Competitors wear board shorts (Board shorts cut just above the knee. Board Shorts can be any color or pattern. No logos are permitted on the board shorts however a manufacturer’s logo such as Nike symbol or Billabongs are acceptable.) No shirt or shoes.

  • Mens Physique divisions are height based and split according to competitor numbers.

  • Men’s Physique competitors are permitted to crossover to Classic Physique or Men’s Bodybuilding.

  • Each competitor must be a member of the NANBF.

  • Competitors must be 13 years of age. Competitors under 18 must have parental consent.

The use of performance-enhancing substances is never permitted. All competitors must successfully pass a polygraph screen prior to competition.

Judging Criteria

  • Judging is based on having overall full muscularity,  balance, lean fit physique with good symmetry in both muscularity and conditioning.

  • Extreme muscular size and leanness like with the bodybuilding category should be avoided.

  • Small waist. Good V-shape form the shoulders to the waist.

  • Abdominal definition. Abdominal area should be tight from all angles.

  • Should display visible muscle separation and conditioning without striations.

  • Stage presence, how well the competitor presents and displays his physique.

  • Overall appearance, tanning, grooming, board short choice .

New Pre Judging Criteria for Open Classes

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Group Comparisons

Each Open class competitor, individually, will be required to hit 3 poses (and no more) of their choice, center stage, prior to group comparisons.​​​​​​​  

These poses should be specific to the category and designed to highlight the competitor's physique and presentation/posing ability for the judges.  

The head judge will then direct the competitor to line up in the back of the stage to be ready for group comparisons.  

Each class is then brought to front center stage and is guided through quarter turns as a group by the head judge, to display their physique from front, side and back.

The 3 poses prior to group comparisons is not required for Novice, Masters, teen or collegiate classes. 

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  • Front Pose - Competitors will face the judges. Feet remain parallel but some lateral positioning of the feet is acceptable. Arms may be held at the sides or one hand on a hip. This should not look like a bodybuilding front relaxed pose. Clinching of the fists is not preferred.

  • Side Pose - Competitors hips face side of the stage, heads turned toward the judges. Shoulders may be turned toward the judges in order to accentuate their V-taper. One hand on a hip. Feet shall be staggered.

  • Back Pose - Competitors facing back stage. Lats should be spread to display V-taper. Hands may be held at the sides or one hand on hip.                                                            

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Photo & Video credit Liquid Spectrum 

Individual presentation stage walks

The individual presentation portion is a stage walk.  This portion of the show is for the crowd and gives the competitor a chance to win a "Best Presentation" award. Competitors walk out to house music of promoter's choice and perform a T-walk or L-walk.

 

T-walk: Consists of walking out from rear center stage, do a single pose, then walk to front center stage turn and walk to stage left and do a pose, then walk to stage right do a pose, then walk to the front center of the stage doing the final pose then exit the stage. 

L-walk: walk from center stage to either right or left stage. Do the same amount of poses in three spots in a straight line, then leave the stage. 

 

Venues vary in accessibility so competitors should reach out to perspective promoters about model/stage walk specifics so that you can prepare properly.

 

Individual presentations should be done tastefully and be conducive to a family atmosphere. Bodybuilding-type poses, fitness moves (like push-ups) and costumes/props should be avoided.

Sportsmanship

Remember, you are not alone on stage. Good sportsmanship is important. It makes competitions more enjoyable for everyone. While winning might feel like the most important thing during competitions, good sportsmanship teaches competitors how to be gracious and respectful towards others. If you're disappointed with a placement, show good sportsmanship. Consider asking the judges for feedback after the show. Everyone worked hard. Don't allow poor sportsmanship to ruin the event for others. Sportsmanship also applies to an audience, including viewers and coaches. Competitors or coaches who exhibit what IPE/NANBF deems as poor sportsmanship at the event or on social media are subject to disqualification and may be banned from future IPE/NANBF events...

Coach Code of Conduct

  • Coaches are to refrain from using threatening or foul language while at IPE/NANBF events.

  • Coaches are not permitted to sit in the row of seats located directly behind the judging table.

  • Coaches cannot approach the judging table at any point before or during prejudging.

  • Coaches are responsible for reading and understanding IPE/NANBF Guidelines & Criteria before registering a client in an IPE/NANBF show.

  • Coaches are not to poach or solicit the clients of other coaches while attending IPE/NANBF events. 

  • Marketing of other organizations' events is strictly prohibited. 

  • Coaches who are caught doing any of the above will be escorted out of the venue without a refund. Coaches are to model professionalism and sportsmanship.

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